Teach Soap

I just got through making my first batch of cold process soap. I used Shea, Coconut Oil, Palm Kernal flakes, Olive Oil and for fragrance I combined Orange EO and Vanilla Select. I looked like an astronaut completely terrifyed of the lye! I had a full face mask and gloves up to my elbows, long sleeves, pants, shoes etc....hilarious! I had no complications except I had to reheat my lye solution because I took too long combining my oils and butters. I was soo nervous! I'm glad its done now after studying and researching for months now I can finally say I MADE SOAP!

congratulations

I am scared to death of lye too. I never measured it's temperature. I just mix and use. I do have alot of siezed soap and some creamy batches, I'd say 50/50, but I do very few swirls, etc.

Now the real fun begins.....waiting for the very first batch to cure so you can use it.

Congratulations.

I didn't know you could reheat lye. How do you do that? I have had so many seizing problems that I would not make soap without my infared thermometer.

Oh to reheat my lye I just set my container of lye in some really hot water:)

Oh what fun, now you get to sit and watch it turn color for the next 6 weeks! Seriously, congratulations!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

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Melissa

If you haven't made many batches and have problems with seizing, try a laser thermometer. You can get one at Harbour Freight, or try your local hardware store like Lowe's or Home Depot. They are not that expensive.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I got my laser thermometer at harbor freight... LOVE that store.

Congrats on the first batch... of many.

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- Mickey!

Congratulations on your first soap batch. It's always so much fun. I remember reading about someone who was so scared of the lye that she hyperventilated during her first batch. She thought she was having a reaction to the lye, but then her husband pointed out that she wasn't breathing. Once she started breathing she was fine.

I, too, got my digital thermometer at Harbor Freight. They put them on sale and you can pick one up for around $30. It's a great investment.

I got a candy thermometer for $3 at Fleet Farm. Here's the link.

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<3 SoapyJoes

I bet there are only a few of us that will know "fleet farm".

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

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<3 SoapyJoes

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!